How do I get my cat to stop waking me up at night?
How To Get your Cat to Stop Waking You Up at Night
It can be incredibly frustrating when your cat – who’s usually so quiet during the day – suddenly begins to wake you up at terrible hours of the night. Getting a good night’s sleep is important for mental health, concentration and overall well-being. Fortunately, there are various methods out there which can help you get a peaceful and undisturbed sleep.
Keep your Cat Entertained During the Day
Most cats will use night time as an opportunity to hunt, roam and explore. If your cat is kept entertained during the day, they should have sufficient levels of stimulation that they shouldn’t need to take it out on the night. Keeping your feline friend active during the day will help reduce the chances of them wanting to wander around in the wee hours.
Manage Your Cat’s Eating Patterns
Cats may experience periods of being hungrier than usual. If they’re not getting enough nutrition during the day, they may start getting restless and may feel the need to awaken you in the night when they’re more actively searching for food. Regular feeding times should be established, and treats shouldn’t be fed too close to the time you go to sleep.
Block Access to Certain Areas in the Apartment
Cats tend to become nocturnal when they don’t have an area of their own to sleep or explore. Exploring around their own space during the night can be distracting which may wake them and consequently you. Closing doors to certain rooms or blocking off access to areas of the apartment could help your cat feel less inclined to wake you up.
Train Your Cat to Sleep
If your cat has a tendency to meow loudly or continually rub against your bed, it’s time to train your pet to sleep. You can do this by:
- Establishing a set sleeping area – cats often like to slink away when it comes to sleeping. Designate a space where your cat can sleep comfortably and give them access to it throughout the night.
- Encouraging quiet behaviors – if your cat meows or claws at you in the night, you should gently separate them. Give them a few minutes to settle down quietly, then reward them with a treat.
- Sticking with a routine – cats aren’t nocturnal creatures by nature, so sticking with a routine is important. Make sure your cat knows when it’s time for them to sleep and for you to sleep to ensure that you’re both getting adequate amounts of rest.
With these tips, you can help your cat understand that it isn’t appropriate to wake you up during the night. With a bit of patience, you’ll eventually be able to get a peaceful, uninterrupted sleep.
